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1939-08-29 Regular CC MinutesADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALAMEDA HELDAUGUST 29, .. , . • . • . ......... 1939 The meeting convened at 8:02 o'clock P. M. with President Weichhart presiding. ROLL CALL: The roll was called and Councilmen Carrington, Godfrey, Maurer, Morris and President Weichhart, (5), were noted present. Absent: None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: A report was presented from the City Manager of the investigations made and figures compiled by him regarding the proposed resumption of ferry service between Alameda and San Francisco which has been advocated and sponsored by the Alameda Municipal Trahspor- tation League. The City Manager read his report in its entirety. Councilman Morris made a motion that the report of the City Manager be accepted. Councilman Godfrey in- quired what the status of the matter would be after the report is accepted. Whereupon Councilman Morris amended his motion that the report be accepted and filed, seconded by Councilman Maurer and on roll call carried by the following vote: Ayes: Councilmen Carrington, Godfrey, Maurer, Morris and President Weichhart, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. Councilman Morris then inquired if any members of the Alameda Municipal Transporta- tion League wished to address the Council. Those who spoke before the Council are as follows: Mr. Ben F. Lamborn, who introduced the several speakers: Mr. M. P. Hersey, reviewing the League's opinion of cost, operation and, upkeep of ferry boats: Mr. J. R. T. Montin, speaking on the subject of motor coaches and their relation to merchandising: • Benj. J. Parker, reading an original article regarding the natural necessity of transportation, past and present; Mr. Frank Gottstein, regarding the acquisition and purchase at this time of ferry boats, the Alameda mole and slip facilities and the original cost and maintenance of ferry boats: fl'At this point, Mr. Lamborn asked that action be taken by the Council to place this transportation proposition on the November, 1939 ballot to enable the voters to decide this question. 'Councilman Godfrey then stated that it was not the wish of the Council to have the City go into debt for a half million dollars for a project which would incur an approxi- mate loss of from $48,000. to $66,000. per year, and as no motion has been put by the Council to call an election for this question, it is obviously not the Council's inten- tion so to do. bouncilman Morris expressed appreciation to the Transportation League for its ef- forts expended in drawing up its report, acknowledging that a transportation problem exists within the City of Almneda, but that the Council could not be expected to give a favorable decision to the League's request to place this proposition on the ballot knowing that by so doing a very definite increase in the tax rate would result. Mr. Gottstein spoke about the location of the railroad station now some distance from the corner of Webster Street on Lincoln Avenue and suggested that when a change is made in the present transportation plan, this station be relocated nearer to Webster Street. Councilman Godfrey moved that the suggestion of Mr. Gottstein be referred to the City Manager and also that the meeting adjourn, seconded by Councilman Maurer. The vote to this motion was not taken as Mr. Lamborn insisted the meeting be continued for further discussion, whereupon Mr. Montin again addressed the Council. Mr. Lamborn repeated his request that the Council give a decision regarding the placing of this question on the ballot, which decision was solicited in two communica- tions from the Alameda Municipal Transportation League submitted to the Council at the regular meeting of August 15, 1939. The discussion was further continued by talks by Mr. Montin, Mr. C. C. Howard, Mr. Gottstein and Mr. A. W. Spadoni, after which Mr. Lamborn again requested the Council to take definite action on this transportation matter, by putting a motion to roll call vote, Councilman Maurer addressed the Council and assemblage, stating the remark had been made at this Council meeting that during his last election campaign he had stood for better transportation; that he still stood for better transportation but he also stood for a sound business administration and he would not vote for any transportation plan which was not a sound business proposition; that the Transportation League claims to have met with opposition, but he had tried to meet the matter with an open mind; also, the Transportation League has not convinced him the proposed resumption of ferry service is a sound undertaking. Councilman Maurer then moved that the petition of the Alameda Municipal Transportation League, asking the Council to authorize the placing on the November 7, 1939 ballot of the proposition to resume ferry transportation servi ce between Alameda and. San Francisco, be denied. The motion was seconded by Councilman Carrington. Councilman Morris explained at this point he did not believe the Council has had sufficient time to consider this very vital question, stating that probably some steps would have to be taken in the future to promote better transportation in the City of Alameda, possibly in the form of a subsidy on the Part of the City, but at this time, he would vote "No" to the Transportation League's petition. 'Mayor Weichhart stated his promise during his last election campaign to promote better transportation within the City, still exists but unless he can be assured that the City will not be burdened with debt and an increase in the tax rate, he cannot favor this plan of ferry transportation. This motion was then put to a vote as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Carrington, Godfrey, Maurer, Morris and President Weichhart, (5). Noes: None. Absent: None. 2. There being no further business to transact, the Council adjourned to meet in regular session Tuesday evening, September 5, 1939 at 8 o'clock P. M. Respec fully submitted, a_at:c Ovz4444.4 City Clerk.